2003 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 768 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 104 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleOct 17, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Campaign 19V741000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 28, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
Campaign 19V627000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDec 12, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.
Campaign 18V883000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
Campaign 15V286000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
Campaign 15V285000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.
Campaign 15V043000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 30, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.
Campaign 13V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2008
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.
THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Campaign 08V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assemblyMar 11, 2002
ON PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (VIN) STARTING WITH 1NX ONLY AND BUILT FROM JANUARY 8 THROUGH FEBRUARY 13, 2002, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BOLTS THAT JOIN THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY TO THE REAR AXLE CARRIER TO BE LOOSE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR BOLTS COULD COME LOOSE, CAUSING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AREA. IN THE EVENT THAT ALL FOUR BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, SEPARATION OF THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY FROM THE REAR AXLE CARRIER COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 02V074001 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
768 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jul 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA AND HAVE NOTICED A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THE CAR VEERING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 - 60 MPH. I AM A CAREFUL DRIVER SO IT'S NOT ME! IT'S ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN GOING AROUND A CURVE OR WHEN A SEMI TRUCK PASSES ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S RAINING. I JUST HAD THE TIRES RE-BALANCED, ROTATED, AND THE BRAKE ROTORS RE-SURFACED, ALL OF WHICH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CLEVELAND TN CLAIMED WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DID NOT. I TOOK A TRIP FROM CLEVELAND TN TO ATLANTA GA ON SATURDAY AND THE CAR WAS VEERING ALL OVER THE PLACE AT CERTAIN PARTS OF THE HIGHWAY. I SORT OF WONDER IF IT'S BECAUSE OF THE BODY DESIGN THAT TOYOTA STARTED USING IN THIS MODEL OF CAR BECAUSE IT SITS HIGHER UP OFF OF THE ROAD THAN PREVIOUS COROLLAS, AND EVEN HIGHER THAN A HONDA ACCORD WHICH IS A BIGGER CAR. IT'S EITHER JUST FAULTY BODY DESIGN OR A STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 11, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL ON A HIGHWAY (APPROX. 60MPH) IN MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S. SUDDENLY, IT STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND STARTED SWERVING. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO COUNTER-STEER BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CRASHED FRONT-END INTO THE GUARD RAIL, THEN THE CAR STARTED SPINNING AND I BELIEVE IT MUST HAVE HIT THE GUARD-RAIL FURTHER DOWN. THE FRONT IS DEMOLISHED, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS BENT IN SO COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FULLY, THE BACK BUMPER WAS GONE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS HEAVILY SCRATCHED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2010
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A MALL PARKING LOT AT A LOT SPEED, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED WITHOUT USING THE GAS PEDAL. THIS OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN A SPAN OF 30 MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE FOOT BRAKE, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AFTER SHUTTING IT DOWN AND THE CAR RAN NORMALLY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2010
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA SEDAN BRAKES VIN# [XXX] BRAKES ARE SURGING FORWARD. HAVE TAKEN TO MECHANIC GARAGE AND TWICE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND NOTHING CAN BE IDENTIFIED. BRAKE ISSUE HAPPENS ONCE A WEEK OR EVERY SO MANY MILES. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AS THERE IS NO INDICATION AS TO WHEN OR WHERE THIS WILL HAPPEN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN STOPPING THE CAR AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT CAR JUMPS FORWARD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 14, 2010
CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES IS COMING OFF CREATING A CUT HAZARD. *TR
Air bags, May 26, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED AND THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND. THE HORN STOPPED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THE AIR BAGS BEGAN TO MAKE A "POPPING SOUND" AND THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND AGAIN. A BYSTANDER DISCONNECTED THE HORN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY; YET, IT WAS DENIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ..UPDATED 12/19/12 *BF UPDATED 12/21/2012 *JS UPDATED 02/22/13 *BF UPDATED 02/27/13 *JB
Structure, May 7, 2010
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OF THE 2003 COROLLA S HAVE CHROME PLATING THAT PEELS WITH NORMAL USE. THE PEELING CHROME IS SHARP AND HAS CAUSED LACERATION INJURY TO THOSE USING THE HANDLES. THE HANDLES NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRES TAKING THE DOOR APART. MY REAR DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED IN 2006 AT MY EXPENSE AND NOW BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY SO AS TO AVOID FURTHER INJURY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT NEED TO PAY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT; THE ENGINE RESET ITSELF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MATS WERE PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT PULLED THE MATS AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE. SHE ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN JANUARY 2010 AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. UPDATED 09/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/23/10*JB
Air bags, May 3, 2010
I WAS PARKED (MOTOR RUNNING) IN MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE WAITING FOR HIM TO PICK ME UP AND GO TO LUNCH WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . MY WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN AND I WAS HIT IN THE FOREARM BY THE BAG. I NEED YOUR GUIDANCE ON DETERMINING THE WHAT CAUSED THIS SITUATION AND HOW TO PROCEED WITH THE REPAIRS. I HAVE TALKED TO TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES HERE IN PUERTO RICO AND THEY ADVISED ME THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT AND IF I WANTED TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY I WOULD HAVE TO DO IT ON MY OWN. I WAS LEFT WITH THE FEELING THAT WARE AND TARE, MILEAGE AND CAR AGE ARE THE FACTORS CAUSING THE FAILURE. IF THIS IS SO TOYOTA SHOULD ALERT THEIR CLIENTS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AFTER A CERTAIN MILEAGE AND /OR CAR AGE. BECAUSE I AM NOT A MECHANIC I TOLD THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES I WOULD CONTACT YOU TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEIR ASSERTION THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL REGARDING THIS MATTER. I REGISTERED A POLICE COMPLAINT AND IT WAS CLASSIFIED AS NOT DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. PRESENTLY MY CAR IS AT MY MECHANICS GARAGE BUT NO WORK IS BEING DONE TO IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2010
I PURCHASE MY TOYOTA PRE-OWNED WITH 46,000 MILES ON IT ODOMETER. A SHORT WHILE AFTER THE PURCHASE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED THE CAR DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE AGENT STATED THAT MY GAS CAP MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. I TIGHTENED MY GAS CAP AND THE LIGHT WHEN OFF FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. IT NEVER CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT TO GET IT SMOGGED FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WOULD NOT PASS SMOG. THE MECHANIC AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THAT IT WOULD COST AROUND $1,800 TO REPLACE. THEREFORE, I HAD TO GO THE REFEREE TO GET A 2 YEAR WAIVER ON MY SMOG. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH 2 SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS, I CANNOT GO WITHOUT A CAR. MY CAR WILL BE GOING ON THE NEXT YEAR SOON. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY FUNDING TO HELP WITH REPAIRS WHEN THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I KNOW THAT THIS IS A FACTORY ISSUE BECAUSE I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR CAR. *TR
Air bags, Apr 22, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON JULY 21, 2008 WHEN A VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE ALSO CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM AND WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, NECK AND OTHER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. UPDATED 07/26/10. *LJ
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2010, crash
2003 TOYOTA 4DR. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A FENCE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2010, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL SINCE THE RPMS BEGAN INCREASING EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP DESPITE HER ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND CONTINUE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THERE WAS SMOKE PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AS IT BEGAN TO DECREASE IN SPEED TO 15 MPH. SINCE THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, SHE THEN JUMPED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE AS THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED AND PLOWED INTO A SNOW BANK BEFORE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL BODY DAMAGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED DUE TO HER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GEAR FROM THE PARK POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA WAS SCHEDULED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE INVESTIGATOR COULD FIND NO FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
Visibility, Apr 6, 2010
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR A WINDOW REPLACEMENT AFTER IT BLEW OUT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. *TGW THE CONSUMER SENT IN THE RECALL NOTIFICATION.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 4, 2010, crash
MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2003 HAD A ACCELERATION PROBLEM, I TOOK IT TO THE OAKBROOK TOYOTA WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS ALL IN MY HEAD AND MOREOVER THE ELECTRONICS FOR THIS FUNCTION WAS FACTORY INSTALLED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THE DEALER COULD DO WITH IT. THIS WAS THE LAST TIME I WENT TO THIS DEALER.THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE FROM 500 RPM TO 2000 RPM IN IDLE THIS WOULD LURCH THE CAR FORWARD AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD DRIVE THIS CAR WAS TO CHANGE THE CERAMICS BRAKE PADS EVERY 10000 MILES. IN 2007 THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND BROKE THE REAR BUMPER OF A HYUNDAI SANTAS FE AND CRACKED MY BUMPER TOO I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THE POLICE OFFICER THAT I WAS STOPPED AND SUDDENLY THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD, IT DID NOT HELP I WAS GIVEN A TICKET AND TOLD TO TELL MY STORY TO THE JUDGE, LUCKILY THE LADY I HIT DID NOT SHOW UP IN COURT AND I WAS DISCHARGED BUT THAT DID NOT MAKE MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALL STATE FROM RAISING MY PREMIUM AND I STILL HAVE THE CAR AND STILL HAS THE HIGHEST PREMIUM. THE CAR IS USED FOR RUNNING ERRANDS LOCALLY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2010, crash
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. CONSUMER STATES NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR STICKING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE ACCIDENTS, THE AXLE AND TRANSMISSION WERE DAMAGED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST ACCIDENT, SHE TRIED TO REDUCE HER SPEED ON A CURVE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO AND CONSEQUENTLY HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SECOND ACCIDENT, SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND AGAIN SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE APPROACHED A CURVE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, SHE HIT A CURB AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. UPDATED 04/16/10
Power train, Mar 30, 2010
MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA AND LOCKED UP. I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ALREADY AND IT IS MY SECOND TRANSMISSION AND IS MY SECOND INCIDENT. IT LOCKS UP AND COMES TO A SUDDEN STOP.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2010
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY TURNED OFF: ALL INDICATORS IN THE DASHBOARD TURNED OFF/WENT TO ZERO AND THERE WAS NO WAY OF ACCELERATING. I HAD TO SOMEHOW PULL OVER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WHEN FINALLY ON THE SIDE LANE THE ENGINE JUST TURNED BACK ON. MY HUSBAND WOULD NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT WE NOW FOUND AN ARTICLE ON WWW.SPIEGEL.DE THAT RELATED TO THIS. HENCE MY REPORTING IT NOW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 18, 2010, crash
OUR 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA HAS TWICE MYSTERIOUSLY ACCELERATED. FIRST IN '07 CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO AUTO AND PROPERTY. DEALER DIDN'T TAKE SERIOUSLY AND CLAIMED DRIVER ERROR THAT HE HAD FOOT ON ACCELERATOR INSTEAD OF BRAKE. CAR WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED. ON 1/11/10 IT ACCELERATED A SECOND TIME WHILE I WAS GOING DOWNHILL WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. STOPPED CAR BY THROWING INTO NEUTRAL. TOYOTA WAS NOTIFIED AND GIVEN CASE NUMBER [XXX] . DEALER CHECKED CAR ON 1/15/10 AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. HAVE DOCUMENTATION BUT ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT TOYOTA FOR FOLLOW-UP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2010
I HAD A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA THAT STALLED REPEATEDLY WHILE THE CAR WAS AT HIGH SPEEDS. HAMER TOYOTA NEVER SAID ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THIS CAR. THIS WAS JUST ONE MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR. THIS WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS INCIDENTS. I NO LONGER OWN THE CAR FOR THE REASON IT KEPT BREAKING DOWN, AND I FELT UNSAFE AND FEARED FOR MY DAUGHTER AT THE TIME WHO DROVE WHEN THIS WAS HAPPENING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE SLIGHTLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS AS THE ENGINE BECAME LOUDER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE CONTACT COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE UP HILL, CRASHING INTO A TREE AND IMMEDIATELY ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES FROM THE FORCE OF IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP, THE ENGINE WAS STILL EXHIBITING HIGH RPMS AND THE UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 45,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2010
I HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON TOYOTA COROLLA 2003 LE MODEL. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME TWO TIMES DURING ONE YEAR OF 30,000 MILES DRIVE. I SUSPECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Mar 12, 2010, crash
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) PURCHASED 2003, TOYOTA, COROLLA, VIN: [XXX] WITH DAUGHTER. VEH WAS PURCHASED FROM TOYOTA OF ORANGE IN CA. TWO DAYS LATER A HIT AND RUN DRIVER FORCED VEH TO SKID ACROSS FIVE LANES ON INTERSTATE 10 IN ONTARIO, CA, AND LANDED ATOP CENTER DIVIDER. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO REPAIR SHOP AND "REPAIRED" AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5-8 MONTHS. HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS NEVER PROPERLY REPAIRED, AND I COMPLAINED TO BOTH TOYOTA , AND TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE, BUT TOYOTA ADAMANTLY STATED THE VEH WAS WITHOUT PROBLEMS. THE CAR WAS CONTINUALLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE BRAKES. EVENTUALLY THE CARPET CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR TO BECOME STUCK AND THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS FORCED TO REACH DOWN WHILE THE CAR MOVING AND PULL THE CARPET WITH BOTH HANDS TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR. STEPPING ON THE BRAKES DID NOT HELP. NEITHER TOYOTA REPAIR NOR ALLSTATE WOULD HELP RESOLVE OUR COMPLAINTS SINCE 2003, WE WERE SIMPLY TOLD THAT THE VEH WAS FINE. ADDITIONALLY I BELIEVE THE FRAME IS BENT, LACK OF INTERLOCKING BRAKES CAUSING SKIDS, BRAKES ARE SOFT AND DROP TO FLOOR, AND POOR STEERING COLUMN. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT INVOLVING NEAR MISS ACCIDENT EPISODES. THE CAR SKIDS IF GOING AS LITTLE AS 5-10 MILES PER HOUR. I OFFERED TO GIVE THE CAR AWAY TO ANYONE WHO WAS WILLING TO INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINTS, ALL TO NO AVAIL. I JUST RECENTLY LEARNED THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS I HEARD IN THE BRAND NEW CAR WAS A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. TOYOTA CONTINUALLY DENIED THIS FOR 5-6 YEARS, THEN BY ACCIDENT A VERY YOUNG NEWLY EMPLOYED STAFF AT TOYOTA OF ORANGE, INFORMED US THAT OUR COMPLAINT ABOUT LOUD AIR SOUNDING NOISE WAS A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST, WHICH HAD BEEN CONTINUALLY MAKING THE NOISE, AND BURNING OF EYES (MIGRAINES). THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED EVERY 2-4 MONTHS OR LESS UNTIL I JUST REPORTED LESS FREQUENTLY. THE CAR IS NOW NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. CURRENTLY IT NEEDS SOME BRAKES, ROTORS, DRUMS, CALIPERS, AND SHOCKS AS ALWAYS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 9, 2010, crash
ON JULY 9, 2005, I WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR COLLISION DRIVING A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA TYPE S, IN WHICH THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
I HAD A 2003 COROLLA THAT I PURCHASED IN 2002, ONE OF THE FIRST DELIVERED TO A WORCESTER MA DEALERSHIP. IN 2003 WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING UP A HILL THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD HIT THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON BUT I HADN'T. I WAS PROBABLY GOING AT LEAST 65MPH WHEN IT STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE BRAKES TO MAKE IT STOP ACCELERATING. *TR